Non-intrusive flow measurement based on a distributed feedback fiber laser

We propose a new non-intrusive flow measurement method using the distributed feedback fiber laser (DFB-FL) as a sensor to monitor flow in the pipe. The relationship between the wavelength of the DFB-FL and the liquid flow rate in the pipeline is derived. Under the guidance of this theory, the design and test of the flow sensor is completed. The response curve is relatively flat in the frequency range of 10 Hz to 500 Hz, and the response of the flow sensor has high linearity. The flow from 0.6 m(3)/h to 25.5 m(3)/h is accurately measured under the energy analysis method in different frequency intervals. A minimum flow rate of 0.046 m/s is achieved. The experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of the new non-intrusive flow measurement method based on the DFB-FL and accurate measurement of small flow rates.